San Francisco Frontiers - Champion jockey Murphy -- the ultimate competitor who risks all

As sublime as his talent on the track is, Murphy has had several well-documented problems off it.

In 2020, the 30-year-old Irishman served a three-month ban for a positive cocaine test, though his defence that it was absorbed through a female companion was accepted. There followed a 14-month ban for breaking Covid rules.

In July this year he was fined £70,000 ($93,000) and banned from driving for 20 months for being over the legal drinking limit after a crash in April.

In a frank interview with the Daily Telegraph this month, Murphy said he had fallen off the wagon last year after three years of abstinence.

"(Alcohol) is escapism. If I could drink like a normal gentleman, that would be lovely," he said.

"But unfortunately I kind of enjoy the escapism those first few drinks bring and I enjoy the next five or 10, then I forget to stop."

David Redvers, the racing manager at Qatar Racing, says there has never been any question of dropping Murphy -- and trainer Andrew Balding has never entertained the idea.

"He is family, as we have been working together as friends and colleagues for the best part of a dozen years," Redvers told AFP.

"You do not just drop friendships or responsibilities to a friend, particularly someone like him and the pressure he puts himself under as his work exacts a toll."

Redvers said he was still able to have a frank exchange with Murphy.

"It does not mean you can't have a disagreement and make feelings plain, just that it's a stronger relationship than you might expect," he said.

"Sheikh Fahad (al-Thani) and Oisin would be the closest of friends.

"The Baldings take this sense of responsibility very seriously."

- 'Injury or death' -

Redvers, who wryly observed that although Murphy is off the drink he is "probably smoking too many cigarillos", says the champion jockey needs to find as much comfort off the track as on it.

Murphy told the Telegraph how, when he was drinking, he would spend many evenings at home alone, imbibing vodka and watching blockbusters like "Gladiator".

"His biggest challenge is to find personal happiness that does not involve riding another winner," said Redvers.

"I'm not sure being champion jockey is conducive with a stable relationship but one imagines this and family life in time has to be key."

Murphy, whose biggest win for Qatar Racing came on Roaring Lion in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on 2019 Champions Day, has spoken of the pressure he feels.

Several high-profile flat jockeys, including Lester Piggott and Willie Carson, had near-fatal accidents.

The 2004 Grand National winning jockey Graham Lee switched to flat racing and was left paralysed from the shoulders down following an incident in the starting stalls in 2023.

"I don't believe (Murphy's) concerns revolve around fear of injury or death, although accidents like poor Graham Lee's must weigh on your mind somewhere," said Redvers.

"In his case it is fear of losing, cocking up or missing out on a ride that he should have won on."

Murphy is "at the top of his game" when coaching children to be jockeys on Champions Day, Redvers added.

Which means that when his behaviour dips, it makes it all the more galling for the son of a farmer whose mentor was his uncle Jim Culloty, a three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey.

"He correctly feels that he has let everyone down," said Redvers.

"He still takes every opportunity to help inspire a generation of kids and for his work in and out of the saddle he is absolutely deserving of all the applause."

One lesson he could teach the youngsters is "his strength and positional awareness in a race", Redvers said.

"Like everybody he is fallible but just less fallible than most!"

E.Walker--SFF